close action. The
Vanguard anchored the first on the outer side of the enemy; and was
opposed, within half pistol-shot, to Le Spartiate, the third in the
enemy's line. The shores of the Bay of Aboukir were soon lined with
spectators, who beheld the approach of the English, and the awful
conflict of the hostile fleets, in silent astonishment.

"Sir Horatio Nelson, as Rear-Admiral of the Blue, carried the blue
flag at the mizen; but, from a standing order of the Earl of St.
Vincent, the squadron wore the white, or St. George's ensign, in
the action. This being white, with a red cross, the first quarter
bearing the union, it occasioned the display of the cross on the
renowned and ancient coast of Egypt.

"So entirely was the admiral resolved to conquer, or to perish in
the attempt, that he led into action with six ensigns, or flags,
viz. red, white, and blue, flying in different parts of the
rigging. He could not bear to reflect on the possibility of his
colours being carried away even by a random shot from the enemy.

"In standing in, the leading ships were unavoidably obliged to
receive into their bows the whole fire of the broadsides of the
French line, till they could take their respective stations: and it
is but justice to observe, that the enemy received their opponents
with great firmness and deliberation; no colours having been
hoisted on either side, nor a gun fired, till our van ships were
within half gun-shot. At this time, the necessary number of our men
were engaged aloft in furling sails, and on deck in hauling the
braces, and other requisite employments, preparatory to casting
anchor. As soon as this took place, a most animated fire opened
from the Vanguard; which ship covered the approach of those in the
rear, who were following in a close line. The Minotaur, Defence,
Bellerophon, Majestic, Swiftsure, and Alexander, came up in
succession; and, passing within hail of the Vanguard, took their
respective stations opposed to the enemy's line. All our ships
anchored by the stern; by which means, the British line became
inverted from van to rear. Captain Thompson, of the Leander of
fifty guns, with a degree of judgment highly honourable to his
professional character, advanced towards the enemy's line on the
outside, and most judicious